Space Flashcards
Orbit
the curved path of a celestial object or spacecraft around a star, planet, or moon, especially a periodic elliptical revolution.
Solar system
the collection of eight planets and their moons in orbit around the sun, together with smaller bodies in the form of asteroids, meteoroids, and comets
Galaxy
the collection of eight planets and their moons in orbit around the sun, together with smaller bodies in the form of asteroids, meteoroids, and comets.
Universe
all existing matter and space considered as a whole; the cosmos. The universe is believed to be at least 10 billion light years in diameter and contains a vast number of galaxies; it has been expanding since its creation in the Big Bang about 13 billion years ago
Satellite
an artificial body placed in orbit around the earth or moon or another planet in order to collect information or for communication.
Impact crater
a crater on a planet or moon caused by the impact of a meteorite or other object, typically circular with a raised rim.
Rotation
When a planet or space rock goes around the sun
Revolution
Rotation around the sun
Season
One of a pattern of temperature changes and other weather treads over the course of a year
Equinox
The time or date twice a year at which the seas raise
Solstice
The summer or winter solistice when the sun reaches the celestial equator
Mare
A large dark plain of solidified lava on the moon
Eclipse
An event during which one object in space casts a shadow onto another
Umbra
Center portion of a shadow
Penumbra
The pactially shaded out region
Astronomical unit
Average distance from the sun which is 93,000,000 miles
Terestical planet
A planet that has a rocky surface
Gas giant
A large planet that consists mostly of gases in a dense form
Asteroid
A giant space rock
Comet
A space rock from the outer ring that is frozen and burns up when going at the sun leaving a blue trail
Meteor
A small space rock
Meteorite
A space rock
Geocentric
Representing earth as the center
Heliocentric
Representing the sun as the center
